Tom Rooney

Much to the dismay to a majority of those in attendance at the 3Arena, a volley of pinpoint punches from Tom Breese brought about a ruthless first round TKO of fan favourite Cathal Pendred at UFC Fight Night 76.

Much to the dismay to a majority of those in attendance at the 3Arena, a volley of pinpoint punches from Tom Breese brought about a ruthless first round TKO of fan favourite Cathal Pendred at UFC Fight Night 76.

Much to the dismay to a majority of those in attendance at the 3Arena, a volley of pinpoint punches from Tom Breese brought about a ruthless first round TKO of fan favourite Cathal Pendred at UFC Fight Night 76.

The bout’s conclusion accurately reflected the previous four minutes and 37 seconds, as the undefeated Breese handed Pendred the most crushing loss of his career.

In every significant facet, the 24-year-old was superior, and Pendred must now consider consecutive losses for the first time.

As expected, the Birmingham native was not offered much Irish hospitality. A teammate of Joseph Duffy in Montreal’s famed Tristar Gym, Breese had told media on Thursday that he was far from impressed with Pendred.

The pair had to be separated at the weigh-ins, which saw the Dubliner uncharacteristically agitated.

As he did in this venue last July, Pendred came out to the Horslips 'Put ‘em under Pressure, receiving a seismic reception in the process. Clapping and foot stomping accompanied a chorus of 'Ole, Ole, Ole' as Pendred came out the aggressor.

Breese however soon found a home for his jab, and rebuffed the bloodied Dubliner’s takedown attempts.

It wasn’t long before the face and torso of each man was crimson in colour. Breese continued to stalk Pendred and connect with increasingly solid shots.

He then landed a sublime string of straight, pulverising punches which dropped Pendred. Breese continued to unload on the grounded SBG man before the referee was forced to step in.

Tom Breese said: “This is still only my second fight in the UFC and all I’ve been focusing on is beating Pendred, you know. Mentally I always prepare for the worst - I prepare to find myself in difficult situations. But I believe my training was more superior than his, and ultimately that’s why I won the fight.”